Tuesday, January 31, 2012
1st Singapore Inter Club Kendo Competition 2012
By Yong He
The name “Youth kendo tournament” may sound
very unfamiliar to many of our new members but that was the predecessor of the
current Inter-club tournament (ICT). It is the only tournament in Singapore
till date that offers an opportunity for members of the various clubs to
compete against one another representing their own clubs. It is the most
exciting event for a budding kendoka in Singapore. The thought of representing
the club and the school in a competitive event is both exhilarating and nerve
wrecking.
Opening Ceremony
Ladies Match
I remembered back in 2009 when I first
watched my seniors compete in YKT (also held in SMU) and thinking one day I
hope I can prove myself worthy to fight for the school too. I got my chance in
2010 and took part in my first YKT. I did not do well but it motivated me to
work harder. It became every captain’s dream and goal for the club to perform
well in YKT. For many years, victory had eluded NUS Kendo Club at YKT but we
have never stopped trying. 3 years after the first YKT that I have seen, we are
back in SMU competing again for NUS. I am pleased to report that NUS did well
in the inaugural ICT, clinching the Men’s Individuals Champion and Men’s Team
Joint 3rd. Several of our members have also clinched the Fighting
Spirit award for their exemplary performance.
Finals: Xiang Jing vs Yong He
Men's Individual Champion: Yong He
Fighting Spirit Award: Anthea
It was a long but enjoyable journey for me.
I have represented NUS for 3 times in my time as a student of NUS and have had
many lasting and enjoyable memories. There are some parting words that I would
like to leave behind. To all my dear friends and teammates who have fought
beside me all this while, I am honored to have trained and fought with a bunch
of people who love the club as much as I do. To the opponents that I have
fought with, thanks for all the fights. Kendo cannot be done alone. As we
compete and train, we sharpen each other’s skills and form deep mutual respect
for each other. Lastly, to my upcoming juniors, my journey of competing for NUS
is coming to an end, but the journey for NUS must still go on. I urge all the
juniors to strive for the opportunity to represent the school. I promise you,
your journey will never be dull. Train hard and never forget your roots. Fight
for the school and also respect others. Support each other so no one will ever
fight alone. Be humble and always seek to improve yourself both as a kendoka
and as a person. I hope all of you will enjoy your own journeys as much as I
have.
:)
